[Incorrect Results] The Best Songs of the 1960s

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Sun Jan 17, 2016 5:54 pm

Here we go.

We selected our 150 favourite songs from the 1960s, and now we're ranking them. These results are bought to you by:-

Bang Jan
BleuPanda
bonnielaurel
Brad
Bruno
Charlie Driggs
Craig
Dan
DaveC
Harold
Henrik
Henry
Honorio
JamieW
ListGuy
luney6
Maschine Man
Miguel
Red Ant
Rob
Sonofsamiam
Zombeels

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Sun Jan 17, 2016 6:07 pm

[imgsize 250x299]http://www.b-l-u-e-s.com/_/rsrc/1423048 ... on%201.jpg[/imgsize]
[150] Sonny Boy Williamson | Help Me | 488.6 pts
AM rank : 2524
AM 1960s rank : 506
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1963 poll : 17

Highest rank: CharlieDriggs(52)
Not Fans: BangJan(148), BleuPanda(147), bonnielaurel(137), Brad(145), Bruno(148), Craig(140), Henry(140), Honorio(140), luney6(146), RedAnt(137), Rob(136)

Rob: Help me, I never really felt the blues. It is not the fault of Sonny Boy Williamson II or anyone else. It’s just me. Help Me is probably a fine example of the genre and I’m glad to see something like this have representation on the list. But it just isn’t for me, no matter how fine the performance is.

[149] Otis Redding | These Arms of Mine | 492.3 pts
AM rank : 5603
AM 1960s rank : 984
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1962 poll : 9

Highest rank: Bruno(45)
Not Fans: BangJan(139), BleuPanda(142), Craig(136), Harold(144), Henry(136), luney6(136)

Rob: Although These Arms of Mine wouldn’t be my choice for best Otis Redding song it is still a good love song that benefits from perhaps my favourite voice of the genre. Redding’s voice is rougher, more characteristic than anyone else in the genre and he seemed to be able to make anything interesting. Musically it is perhaps too conventional to really impress me, but Redding himself is always worth your time.

[148] The Tornados | Telstar | 492.5 pts
AM rank : 624
AM 1960s rank : 170
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1962 poll : 12

Highest rank: DaveC(66)
Not Fans: bonnielaurel(140), Dan(150), Henrik(145), Honorio(136), Listyguy(149), MaschineMan(139/139), Miguel(149)

MaschineMan: Something had to get last place.

Rob: Of all the instrumentals in this list (but not counting the movie tracks or the jazz numbers), this sounds like the most individualistic piece. Perhaps because it has the most original instrumentation and a slightly futuristic sound to it. Not wholly modern anymore perhaps, but still with the power to capture the imagination that creates space travels in your head.

[147] Jacques Brel | Les Paumés du petit matin | 504.6 pts
AM rank : Unranked
AM 1960s rank : Unranked
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1962 poll : 14

Fans: Honorio(14)
Not Fans: BangJan(150), BleuPanda(149), Bruno(145), Harold(150), Henrik(149), JamieW(147), Listyguy(139), RedAnt(148)

Honorio: of the ones with livers ripped up by love, who wake up when the sun goes down, who dance the eyes on the breasts, who say the useless truths.

[imgsize 250x250]http://mlb-s2-p.mlstatic.com/lp-vinil-r ... 2012-F.jpg[/imgsize]
[146] Ray Charles | I Can't Stop Loving You | 505.6 pts
AM rank : 1001
AM 1960s rank : 251
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1962 poll : 13

Highest rank: Rob(48)
Not Fans: BleuPanda(146), Brad(149), DaveC(141), Harold(138), Honorio(148), sonofsamiam(142)

Rob: One of those songs that shouldn’t work for me, but does. It is overwrought, it has an unsubtle use of child background singers and is incredibly sentimental. Yet it is actually my favourite Ray Charles song. It moves me. Somehow Charles’ voice and even the kids sell the sentiment to me. Also, the use of this song in the otherwise unremarkable anime film Metropolis is truly great.

[imgsize 250x250]http://cdn.discogs.com/2mGS2MF_K0mIz_0b ... 6.jpeg.jpg[/imgsize]
[145] Little Eva | The Loco-Motion | 516 pts
AM rank : 521
AM 1960s rank : 150
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 96
Position in 1962 poll : 10

Highest rank: Miguel(60)
Not Fans: Dan(136), luney6(142), Rob(149), sonofsamiam(144), Zombeels(113/122)

MaschineMan: I think this song needs to make a comeback, in the form of a cover by an upcoming pop sensation, it's long over-due.

Rob: One of my least favourite songs of this list. It’s a good pop song that just begs to be done better. Eva herself has a wacky voice that has some appeal, but seems wrongly used here. Worse are the background singers that somehow just don’t seem to be into it all that much and they force their voice to go higher than desirable. The whole things feels a bit stilted which holds the desire to dance back.

[144] Sam Cooke | Cupid | 528 pts
AM rank : 1347
AM 1960s rank : 315
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1961 poll : 10

Highest rank: Miguel(54)
Not Fans: BangJan(136), Harold(140), Honorio(143), MaschineMan(135/139)

Rob: Cupid is a small miracle in that it is the type of song I usually probably wouldn’t be able to stand. It takes a mayor talent to make it work and although I wouldn’t call it my favourite song of Cooke, it shows his strengths the best. The song is silly on paper, but Cooke has a subtlety and an honesty in his voice that sells the whole deal.

[imgsize 250x250]http://www.planktones.com/WDRUK.jpg[/imgsize]
[143] The Ventures | Walk - Don't Run | 533.8 pts
AM rank : 1138
AM 1960s rank : 279
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 100
Position in 1960 poll : 16

Highest rank: CharlieDriggs(33)
Not Fans: Honorio(146), MaschineMan(136/139)

Rob: So yeah, here is Walk – Don’t Run. Good on The Ventures I guess. Don’t get me wrong, I like this song. It’s definitely not the worst song on this list, but it feels as the least essential, profiting from the wild card position and the spread love on many 1969 classics that now miss the boat. It’s a fine instrumental, but does it anywhere feel as vital as Apache, Miserlou, The James Bond Theme, Telstar or even Pipeline? I think it doesn’t and I predict it will end up on spot 150 on the final list. When you read this you’ll know if I’m right.

[imgsize 250x250]http://hiphophundred.com/wp-content/upl ... ngGang.jpg[/imgsize]
[142] Sam Cooke | Chain Gang | 542.9 pts
AM rank : 2051
AM 1960s rank : 418
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1960 poll : 13

Highest rank: bonnielaurel(48)
Not Fans: BangJan(137), Dan(137), JamieW(141)

Rob: One of Cooke’s most enjoyable songs is also one of his most clever. Using the sound of men working on the chain gang to set the rhythm is a great find. Surely it is actually a sad subject and Cooke notices this, but it doesn’t get in the way of an almost funky song.

[imgsize 250x250]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ ... _Me_Do.jpg[/imgsize]
[141] The Beatles | Love Me Do | 546.2 pts
AM rank : 2114
AM 1960s rank : 430
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 97
Position in 1962 poll : 6

Highest rank: Dan(48)
Not Fans: BleuPanda(143), CharlieDriggs(137/146), Rob(139), sonofsamiam(150), Zombeels(121/122)

Rob: Like most early Beatle songs I don’t feel myself caring too much about Love Me Do, but I think the use of the harmonica makes it stand out favourably, so there is that.

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Sun Jan 17, 2016 8:03 pm

And yet another reminder of how thin the early 60s were. We have all songs from before 64. And only two of those 10 are from 63 or 64.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Sun Jan 17, 2016 8:37 pm

Songs 140-131 will include the first song with a #1 vote, and the first 2 songs that made the top 220 60s songs ranked in our recent all time poll.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Sun Jan 17, 2016 9:15 pm

[140] Henry Mancini | The Pink Panther Theme | 552.6 pts
AM rank : Unranked
AM 1960s rank : Unranked
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1963 poll : 15

Highest rank: Miguel(37)
Not Fans: DaveC(137), Honorio(141), Zombeels(115/122)

Rob: One of the most easily recognizable movie themes ever. It’s not just very catchy, but it also captures the jazz era as well as the tone of the movie (comedy mixed with crime). I love how it sounds sneaky, suspicious and playful all at once.

[imgsize 250x250]http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_40 ... 540149.jpg[/imgsize]
[139] The Drifters | Save The Last Dance For Me | 554.5 pts
AM rank : 627
AM 1960s rank : 171
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1960 poll : 10

Highest rank: JamieW(37)
Not Fans: CharlieDriggs(138/146), Dan(149)

Rob: The Drifters at their best had a run of songs that weren’t original so much, but somehow had a great flow to them, as well as very good singing by Ben E. King. Save the Last Dance is one of the best examples of this and therefore a welcome addition to this list.

[138] The Chantays | Pipeline | 556.9 pts
AM rank : 1297
AM 1960s rank : 305
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1962 poll : 8

Highest rank: JamieW(21)
Not Fans: bonnielaurel(141), Dan(144), Honorio(150), Listyguy(144), Miguel(146)

Rob: Another one of those sixties instrumentals. I wouldn’t call this one a standout if you compare it with most others in this list, but it still very good and essential if you like this sort of music. And I do.

[imgsize 250x294]https://rone92q.files.wordpress.com/201 ... ltrane.jpg[/imgsize]
[137] John Coltrane | Olé | 562.1 pts
AM rank : Unranked
AM 1960s rank : Unranked
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1961 poll : 12

Highest rank: sonofsamiam(45)
Not Fans: Brad(140), Miguel(136), RedAnt(146)

Rob: Maybe a bit long for the untrained jazz listener (me for example), but I like the wild improvised feeling. The whole thing sometimes seems on the verge of turning into a mess, but it never does. Instead it feels like Coltrane and his team are overtaken by some sudden force that almost compels them to play. Perhaps I’m just sprouting nonsense, but somehow Olé sounds slightly dangerous to me. It has grown on me over multiple listens and who knows, I might grasp it fully in the future.

[imgsize 250x250]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5 ... AA280_.jpg[/imgsize]
[136] Howlin' Wolf | Spoonful | 562.2 pts
AM rank : 1188
AM 1960s rank : 287
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1960 poll : 8

Highest rank: DaveC(43)
Not Fans: Craig(147), Henry(147), luney6(144)

Rob: Yes, he sounds like how you’d imagine a wolf to sound: greedy, hungry and hoarse from howling at the Moon. He also brings his songs with the sense of fun that you’d imagine more from something like a fox. Howlin’ Wolf was really a one-of-a-kind artist and I doubt anyone else could have made Spoonful into something quite as memorable and captivating.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 12:57 am

[135] The Everly Brothers | Cathy's Clown | 566.3 pts
AM rank : 354
AM 1960s rank : 117
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 93
Position in 1960 poll : 9

Highest rank: BleuPanda(43)
Not Fans: Harold(149), Henrik(137), Rob(145)

Rob: The Everly Brothers have influenced many of my favourite acts, including but not limited to Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys and The Beatles. So why don’t I particular care for the Everlies themselves? I think that it’s not just that those later groups had better voices, but also more feeling and soul. I like the stomping sound of Cathy’s Clown somewhat, but the voices of the brothers just don’t do anything for me and they can’t really sell this song to me.

[imgsize 300x250]http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_40 ... 937891.jpg[/imgsize]
[134] Gerry and the Pacemakers | You'll Never Walk Alone | 566.6 pts
AM rank : 4302
AM 1960s rank : 786
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 207
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1963 poll : 16

Fans: DaveC(1)
Not Fans: BleuPanda(141), Brad(148), Bruno(144), Craig(139), Harold(147), Henrik(148), Henry(139), Honorio(149), JamieW(137), Listyguy(143), MaschineMan(130/139), Miguel(147), sonofsamiam(137)

DaveC: Recorded by scores of famous artists, yet this is surely the definitive version thanks to Gerry Marsden's magnificent vocal.

Rob: From football stadiums to Pink Floyd albums, this song is everywhere. If you are Dutch like me, you probably have heard a guy named Lee Towers sing it one time too many. Yet, this recording still works. It is perhaps a song that is a bit obvious, but it hasn’t lost its power to lift you up.

[imgsize 250x257]https://i.embed.ly/1/display?key=fc778e ... ltrane.jpg[/imgsize]
[133] John Coltrane | Giant Steps | 568.2 pts
AM rank : 2307
AM 1960s rank : 463
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1960 poll : 15

Highest rank: sonofsamiam(25)
Not Fans: DaveC(147), Henrik(144), Honorio(139), Miguel(144), RedAnt(140)

Rob: No, I don’t know jazz, but I know that Giant Steps is great. I don’t know where the title came from. Not from The Sound of Music at least. To me it sounds like smaller steps. Small steps, taken quickly in a wild, uninhibited dance. Every note by these musicians is so full of life that it’s hard to control your body enough to take giant steps. The title is the only fault here, though.

[imgsize 333x250]https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_xulko6p5BI/maxresdefault.jpg[/imgsize]
[132] The Contours | Do You Love Me | 580.4 pts
AM rank : 1117
AM 1960s rank : 276
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1962 poll : 7

Highest rank: Dan(28)
Not Fans: Honorio(142)

Rob: Forever confused by me with the rather similar Twist & Shout by The Isley Brothers (and later of course The Beatles), but I slightly prefer this song by The Contours. Not only is it one of the last great examples of old time rock ‘n roll, it also scores extra points for the spoken word intro, which makes the following music sound even more exploding.

[imgsize 250x250]http://www.bobdylan.com/sites/bdylan/fi ... int_me.jpg[/imgsize]
[131] Bob Dylan | It Ain't Me Babe | 582.8 pts
AM rank : 3265
AM 1960s rank : 612
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 215
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1964 poll : 16

Highest rank: bonnielaurel(16)
Not Fans: BleuPanda(138), Honorio(138), JamieW(142), sonofsamiam(145)

Rob: Songs about losing love or actually not even attaining love are everywhere, but how many times do we hear a song from the perspective of someone putting a potential lover down? Here we have one. The song is harsh, but it is still beautifully sung and never manages to feel as cruel as it is. I wouldn’t advise anyone to use these words for turning someone down, but still we need songs that can capture the experience in poetic words.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 5:14 am

The next batch of songs will include the first song from later than 1964.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 7:20 am

[imgsize 250x253]http://cdn.discogs.com/71Zv8-BTBXCzXvwj ... 6.jpeg.jpg[/imgsize]
[130] Jorge Ben | Mas, Que Nada! | 585.5 pts
AM rank : Unranked
AM 1960s rank : Unranked
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1963 poll : 18

Fans: Henrik(15)
Not Fans: BangJan(149), BleuPanda(137), DaveC(143), Harold(141), RedAnt(142)

Rob: Before this poll I actually only knew this song from its hit cover by Sergio Mendez and The Black Eyed Peas some years back. Jorge Ben Jor’s version is quite calmer (and doesn’t future any rapping, or Black Eyed Peas). It is an elegant and catchy song with a sweet sound that requires a slow dance.

[imgsize 250x251]http://www.zicabloc.com/wp-content/uplo ... /brel.jpeg[/imgsize]
[129] Jacques Brel | Ces gens-là | 587.4 pts
AM rank : Bubbling Under
AM 1960s rank : Bubbling Under
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1965 poll : 15

Highest rank: Henrik(29)
Not Fans: BangJan(138), Brad(147), Bruno(143), DaveC(144), RedAnt(139)

Rob: Outside of Bob Dylan, is anyone in music as natural a story-teller as Jacques Brel? I may not understand the words of Ces gens-la, but I feel drawn towards the speaker as is if he is telling a remarkable, personal story that simply needs to be heard. Translations have taught me that indeed the lyrics are great, but I don’t need to understand them to love this song. It’s the meaning that Brel has in his voice that is the biggest attraction.

[imgsize 250x250]http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_40 ... 616361.jpg[/imgsize]
[128] The Miracles | You've Really Got a Hold on Me | 597.4 pts
AM rank : 581
AM 1960s rank : 164
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1962 poll : 2

Highest rank: BleuPanda(20)
Not Fans: CharlieDriggs(140/146), Henrik(141), Rob(150)

Rob: I don’t really dislike any song on this list, but something has to be last and this one truly deserves it in my opinion. I’ve already once controversially said that Smokey Robinson is overrated as a songwriter and I stand by my word. You’ve Really Got a Hold On Me is proof for me. His lyrics are as standard as they come. As a singer he is completely out of his league, especially in a genre that at the time produced among others Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye or the Temptations (who delivered much better versions of his songs). Even The Miracles aren’t really all that great a background group. To my ears, this song is one among million similar ones and is instantly forgettable, even if it isn’t particularly bad.

[imgsize 252x250]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ ... sed_Me.jpg[/imgsize]
[127] The Crystals | Then He Kissed Me | 597.5 pts
AM rank : 819
AM 1960s rank : 210
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1963 poll : 14

Highest rank: sonofsamiam(17)
Not Fans: BleuPanda(144), Honorio(145)

Rob: Among my favourite discoveries of this poll. There seem to be a few versions around and I don’t know which the original is, but the one I found first gave something of a big beat (through the drums) that makes it an irresistible, hip shaking piece of love pop perfection.

[imgsize 250x250]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ ... verart.jpg[/imgsize]
[126] Them | Gloria | 602.5 pts
AM rank : 158
AM 1960s rank : 61
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 137
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1964 poll : 13

Highest rank: RedAnt(41)
Not Fans: Dan(138), DaveC(140)

Rob: Van Morrison would become more ambitious than he was when he made Gloria with Them. Yet even a simple song like this could already showcase his amazing vocals. As a rock song I never thought too much of it, but the chorus is a deserved crowd pleaser.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 8:37 am

[imgsize 400x250]http://www.philosophers-stone.co.uk/wp- ... mage13.jpg[/imgsize]
[125] Bob Dylan | Masters Of War | 611.7 pts
AM rank : 1088
AM 1960s rank : 266
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1963 poll : 12

Fans: JamieW(7)
Not Fans: BleuPanda(139), Craig(150), Dan(142), Henry(150)

[imgsize 250x250]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5 ... AA280_.jpg[/imgsize]
[124] Ray Charles | Georgia On My Mind | 612.2 pts
AM rank : 324
AM 1960s rank : 113
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 183
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 87
Position in 1960 poll : 4

Fans: bonnielaurel(6)
Not Fans: DaveC(149), Henrik(136), luney6(140), Rob(143), Zombeels(112/122)

Rob: I love Ray Charles, but not really this song. It’s a solid showcase for Charles’ great voice, but somehow the thing as a whole strikes me as somewhat dull. It’s an uncontested classic in the soul master’s discography, but he never particularly wants to make me visit Georgia (not a knock on Georgia, by the way).

[123] The Tokens | The Lion Sleeps Tonight | 613.8 pts
AM rank : 4047
AM 1960s rank : 744
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 82
Position in 1961 poll : 9

Fans: Miguel(4)
Not Fans: BangJan(144), BleuPanda(145), CharlieDriggs(142/146), Honorio(147), sonofsamiam(140)

MaschineMan: I love how goofy this song is.

Rob: I learned to know this one because of The Lion King, where the character Timon sings it for a short while. It took many years before I found out it is an actual song. And only now I found out that The Tokens are a white band. You learn something new every day. Like that this is actual a very good song. I always thought of it is a curiosity track, before I listened to it more closely for this poll. Sure, the lyrics and the concept are extremely sill, but musically it has a lot of magic, not in the least because of the work of the background singers.

[imgsize 250x250]http://www.historylink.org/db_images/Qu ... a_2011.JPG[/imgsize]
[122] Quincy Jones | Soul Bossa Nova | 618.1 pts
AM rank : Unranked
AM 1960s rank : Unranked
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 86
Position in 1962 poll : 11

Fans: CharlieDriggs(12)
Not Fans: BangJan(141), Brad(136), DaveC(150), Harold(148), JamieW(139), Listyguy(137), luney6(139)

DaveC: The only song on this list for which I could be called a 'Hater'.

MaschineMan: This song makes me hungry. Was it used for some cooking show?

Rob: A bouncing piece of high energy. I don’t know much about the bossa nova, but this wacky party music will probably never lose the power to keep people moving. Even overuse in commercials can’t kill its sense of fun.

[imgsize 250x250]http://www.missumgs.dk/SirCliffShadows/ ... 172236.jpg[/imgsize]
[121] The Shadows | Apache | 618.8 pts
AM rank : 579
AM 1960s rank : 163
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 90
Position in 1960 poll : 11

Highest rank: bonnielaurel(35)
Not Fans: Brad(142), Harold(142)

Rob: I don’t know if Apache has ever been used in a western, but it deserves to be, even if it is perhaps too obvious a choice. It stands out among many instrumental, guitar led tracks of this period by its sense of tension and movements. It’s not quite Morricone in its feel perhaps, but he might have had a song like this in mind when composing the Main Theme of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. As it is, Apache still stands firmly on its own feet.

Post by **Henrik** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 8:53 am

Excellent presentation, DaveC!

Anyone else who gets mixed feelings by having the highest rank? While I'm sad others don't like a song as much as I do, it always makes me proud to see my name listed under a great song.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 6:28 pm

[imgsize 250x250]http://i.rymimg.com/lk/f/l/b45ad2daf001 ... 581587.jpg[/imgsize]
[120] The Marcels | Blue Moon | 618.9 pts
AM rank : 1460
AM 1960s rank : 332
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 94
Position in 1961 poll : 12

Highest rank: Dan(19)
Not Fans: BleuPanda(148), CharlieDriggs(134/146), Listyguy(146)

Honorio: Probably the best bass (voice) line on doo-wop ever (along with "Surfin' Bird"). Bomp baba bomp bop dang dang a dang…

Rob: Based on an existing lovesick song, The Marcels changed it into something that mostly ditches the emotion and replace it with wacky singing. It’s the type of silliness that would soon be out of fashion, but there is no denying that Blue Moon is still good fun.

[119] Elvis Presley | Can't Help Falling in Love | 623.1 pts
AM rank : 1073
AM 1960s rank : 263
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 164
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 88
Position in 1961 poll : 5

Highest rank: JamieW(22)
Not Fans: BleuPanda(140), CharlieDriggs(146/146), Zombeels(116/122)

MaschineMan: I don't love Elvis, but I don't actively seek out his music. It's something even worse than hate: I nothing Elvis.

Rob: Wait, this is the only Elvis song on the list? What happened? Whatever, at least it is a good choice, because Elvis’ voice was very well suited to love ballads like this and this is one of his most earnest and best efforts. The warmth in Elvis voice hardly ever found better use.

[imgsize 250x250]https://ukutabs.com/uploads/2014/02/Bri ... Single.jpg[/imgsize]
[118] Sam Cooke | Bring It On Home To Me | 625.5 pts
AM rank : 1287
AM 1960s rank : 304
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 71
Position in 1962 poll : 5

Highest rank: sonofsamiam(23)
Not Fans: MaschineMan(134/139)

[imgsize 372x250]https://jazzizzin.files.wordpress.com/2 ... ments1.jpg[/imgsize]
[117] Miles Davis | Concierto de Aranjuez | 626.7 pts
AM rank : Unranked
AM 1960s rank : Unranked
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1960 poll : 6

Fans: DaveC(12)
Not Fans: BangJan(142), BleuPanda(136), bonnielaurel(144), Bruno(147), Dan(146), Henrik(139), RedAnt(136)

Rob: Miles Davis himself admitted that Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio (or Sketches in Spain in full) isn’t really jazz, but he didn’t care. He just focussed on the music. Who can blame him if you get to play something like this? It is very Spanish (at least to these non-Spanish ears) and very exotic. Quiet and collected, but also simmering with passion. Also it is both strangely cool and hot. It is a masterpiece and a welcome outsider to Miles Davis’ usual output.

[imgsize 333x250]https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0Cu0yWfkWX0/hqdefault.jpg[/imgsize]
[116] Jackson C. Frank | I Want To Be Alone (Dialogue) | 639 pts
AM rank : Unranked
AM 1960s rank : Unranked
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 203
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1965 poll : 13

Fans: Henrik(6), JamieW(11)
Not Fans: Brad(144), Craig(137), Dan(141), Harold(139), Henry(137), Miguel(137), RedAnt(150)

Listyguy: Another great discovery from this poll. Reminds me a lot of "The Sounds of Silence"

Rob: I had never heard of this guy before he suddenly made this list. Frank turns out to have point the way to Nick Drake. He has the same quiet, whispering quality. Its music that works the best in a quiet setting, preferably alone, where every calm line can send chills down your spine.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 6:31 pm

And the next batch include the first post-1965 song.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 6:34 pm

Henrik wrote:Excellent presentation, DaveC!

Anyone else who gets mixed feelings by having the highest rank? While I'm sad others don't like a song as much as I do, it always makes me proud to see my name listed under a great song.

Thanks Henrik.

Indeed, I'm quite proud to be top voter for Telstar, Spoonful, Concerto de Aranjuez, and You'll Never Walk Alone.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 8:21 pm

[imgsize 250x250]http://ring.cdandlp.com/basic/photo_gra ... 056031.jpg[/imgsize]
[115] The Righteous Brothers | Unchained Melody | 640.4 pts
AM rank : 447
AM 1960s rank : 138
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 104
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1965 poll : 14

Highest rank: Bruno(31)
Not Fans: CharlieDriggs(141/146), Listyguy(136), Zombeels(120/122)

MaschineMan: My interest in this song drops considerably after the first 10 seconds. It's generally at this point it's over-use in film and TV adverts has me rolling my eyes.

Rob: It seems that the best tracks by The Righteous Brothers seem to skirt very close along the edges of taste. Is Unchained Melody too much? Too saccharine? Too sentimental? Perhaps. But can you resist it? Isn’t it still very beautiful? Can the great voices by the Brothers elevate the material and sell the sentiments? To me the answer is a very definite “yes”! Also, have you ever attended a wedding where this song played? Yes.

[114] Dion | Runaround Sue | 640.5 pts
AM rank : 525
AM 1960s rank : 151
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1961 poll : 11

Fans: Dan(11)
Not Fans: Harold(137), Listyguy(145)

Rob: A passionate cry from the slighted Dion gets muffled by background singers making nonsensical sounds. And thank God for that. The problems of Dion are just a bit too absurd to take seriously, but luckily he didn’t take it seriously himself and made it into an irresistibly fun song that’s great to sing along to. Also, it forms an interesting contrast to Dion’s other most well-known song, The Wanderer. Is that a sequel, where Dion has drawn a lesson from his affair with Sue and changed his attitude to love and women completely?

[113] Dionne Warwick | Anyone Who Had a Heart | 644.5 pts
AM rank : 5367
AM 1960s rank : 945
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1963 poll : 10

Highest rank: bonnielaurel(17)
Not Fans: BangJan(140), Brad(146)

Rob: A mayor black singer in the sixties that wasn’t really soul, funk, jazz or even rock ‘n roll? Instead based on sound that came more from the Broadway musical? And who was also one of the best of her time? Enter Dionne Warwick and what I consider her greatest song, Anyone Who Had a Heart. The track is great on itself, because the music sounds like it is floating in the clouds. And so does Dionne Warwick’s voice, but those moments she sings a little louder she delivers some real powerful emotions. It’s a song for which they invented the word “gorgeous”.

[112] Henry Mancini | Moon River | 645 pts
AM rank : 1208
AM 1960s rank : 291
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 81
Position in 1961 poll : 8

Fans: Honorio(5)
Not Fans: Harold(146), Listyguy(150)

Honorio: An unrepeatable conjunction. Truman Capote as the novel writer. Blake Edwards as the efficient director. Hubert de Givenchy as the history-making costume designer. Henry Mancini as the composer of a score straight to eternity. Johnny Mercer as the writer of the dreamy lyrics. And, of course, Audrey Hepburn creating a pop icon of her Holly Golightly. And singing sitting on her windowsill (while George Peppard is peeping) the most beautiful song ever, "Moon River."

Rob: Ah, here is romantic ballad to dream away by. It is on the verge on being too much or just very cheesy. It also doesn’t sound particularly sixties, but much older (and that coming from a composer who pretty much defined Hollywood soundtracks of the early decade). Yet all of this doesn’t matter, because Mancini created an Over the Rainbow for a new generation. All right, maybe the song isn’t quite as big as that one, but I personally like it just a little bit more.

[imgsize 250x250]http://st-listas.20minutos.es/images/20 ... _640px.jpg[/imgsize]
[111] Percy Sledge | When a Man Loves a Woman | 649.2 pts
AM rank : 118
AM 1960s rank : 45
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 108
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1966 poll : 14

Highest rank: Bruno(29)
Not Fans: BleuPanda(150), JamieW(140)

Rob: Percy Sledge should probably have a word with Dion. Together they can lament untrustworthy women. Sledge generalizes male behaviour around women, but it has to be said that he sells the song. He is a great singer and When a Man Loves a Woman has a fine tune. I don’t quite get the giant status this song has, but it is still easily above average.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 8:29 pm

The next group of songs will include the first song with 3 fans and therefore also many non-fans to be in this position.

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 8:37 pm

DaveC wrote: [114] Dion | Runaround Sue | 640.5 pts
AM rank : 525
AM 1960s rank : 151
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1961 poll : 11

Fans: Dan(11)
Not Fans: Harold(137), Listyguy(145)

Wow, serious overlook on my part putting "Runaround Sue" that low. Probably should have been in my top 100 at least. Foolish mistake on my part.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Mon Jan 18, 2016 10:53 pm

[110] The John Barry Seven and Orchestra | James Bond Theme | 652.3 pts
AM rank : 2229
AM 1960s rank : 447
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 85
Position in 1962 poll : 4

Fans: Henrik(12)
Not Fans: Harold(143), Listyguy(138)

MaschineMan: One of the few sountrack songs that worked out of context in this Poll.

Rob: When John Barry decided to use surf guitar music for the main theme from Dr. No he was just following a hype. Could he have guessed that it would define the sound of the spy profession forever? It is such a wonderful piece of music. Explosive, dangerous and a lot of fun, as well as short and to the point. Bond would be proud.

[imgsize 364x250]http://images.rapgenius.com/0cba39ea22d ... x445x1.jpg[/imgsize]
[109] Bob Dylan | Don't Think Twice, It's All Right | 652.4 pts
AM rank : 1165
AM 1960s rank : 282
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 174
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 72
Position in 1963 poll : 9

Fans: Listyguy(9)
Not Fans: JamieW(136), MaschineMan(137/139)

Rob: A quiet ballad that sounds tender, but seems vile when you listen more closely to the lyrics. But when you listen even closer you’ll hear real hurt and sadness. It is one of Dylan’s most emotionally complex songs, which explains its appeal and its power. Also, this is the Dylan song I hear the most in movies for some reason.

[imgsize 499x250]http://cdncms.todayszaman.com/todayszam ... 211191.jpg[/imgsize]
[108] Krzysztof Penderecki | Threnody for the Victims of Hiroshima | 653.2 pts
AM rank : Unranked
AM 1960s rank : Unranked
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1960 poll : 13

Fans: JamieW(10), Rob(10), sonofsamiam(5)
Not Fans: BangJan(147), Bruno(146), Craig(149), DaveC(148), Henrik(146), Henry(149), Listyguy(148), Miguel(145), RedAnt(144)

Listyguy: Too avant-garde for way. Way, way ,wayyyyyyy too avant-garde.

Rob: Yes, this song is as happy as you’d guess from the title. It is unpleasant and hard to listen to. Devastating even. Not at all something I ever expect to hear on the radio or find myself putting on repeat. Yet it is as essential as any piece of music ever written. Nobody deserves to go through it, but everybody should. It is decidedly not beautiful, but it has an emotional power that few can or want to equal. The sound is apocalyptic in a way that makes many end-of-time metal songs (or movies) seem tame or silly. We hear the sounds of millions of people dying, of the Earth scorching. It’s as if Penderecki were there and put it to music. It is that good! Needless to say, he didn’t need words, because there are no words for it. Only terrifying sounds could capture this historical horror. A masterpiece and a major discovery for me.

[107] Ray Charles | Hit The Road Jack | 657.3 pts
AM rank : 671
AM 1960s rank : 185
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1961 poll : 6

Highest rank: Dan(23)
Not Fans: luney6(138), sonofsamiam(136)

Rob: The strange thing about Hit the Road Jack is that it is one of Charles’ signature tunes, but he doesn’t sing in it much. The background singers The Realettes take centre stage. Not that it matters, because it is very funky, funny and the times Charles sings are always funny. And he of course was responsible for the awesome rhythm that truly made the song a classic.

[106] The Beatles | I Saw Her Standing There | 667 pts
AM rank : 811
AM 1960s rank : 208
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : n/a
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1963 poll : 13

Fans: Miguel(7)
Not Fans: Rob(142)

Rob: A tough question that probably most here are going to answer with “yes!”, but I have to ask it: would this song have been remembered if it wasn’t by The Beatles or if the band had not gone on to bigger things? Maybe, but I can’t see it. It rocks nicely, but not exceptionally. It’s not my least favourite song on the list or even my least favourite by The Beatles, but considering I think the band is somewhat overrepresented here I think this is the one we could most easily have ditched.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Tue Jan 19, 2016 2:01 am

[105] Bob Dylan | I Want You | 685.4 pts
AM rank : 827
AM 1960s rank : 212
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 154
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1966 poll : 13

Fans: Dan(13)
Not Fans: sonofsamiam(138), Zombeels(122/122)

Rob: Back here in The Netherlands there is really only one radio station that plays Dylan and they only play I Want You. To be honest, it always strikes me as the Dylan song that is very popular by people who don’t care for Dylan. Blonde on Blonde might be Dylan’s toughest album, but I Want You is very poppy. Catchy actually. The lyrics are still far above average though, and the arrangements are unique for Dylan. Yet it hardly seems a standout from Blonde on Blonde, let alone of Dylan’s complete discography.

[104] Jacques Brel | Vesoul | 688.6 pts
AM rank : Unranked
AM 1960s rank : Unranked
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 199
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1968 poll : 7

Fans: Dan(4), Miguel(2)
Not Fans: BangJan(143), Brad(138), Bruno(149), Craig(146), Harold(145), Henry(146), RedAnt(143)

BleuPanda: My favorite discovery of this poll, after not really caring much for Brel's other stuff. So much energy.

Rob: Jacques Brel may be prone to seriousness and anger, he also knows how to put out a good tune. Vesoul is simply good fun. The flow of words is even captivating for someone like me who doesn’t understand the lyrics. The music flows just as well and although it isn’t rock it still rocks.

[103] The Kingsmen | Louie Louie | 698.9 pts
AM rank : 32
AM 1960s rank : 16
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 86
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 79
Position in 1963 poll : 3

Highest rank: Bruno(22)
Not Fans: CharlieDriggs(139/146), Henrik(138)

Rob: The Kingsmen’s version of Louie Louie is now a classic, but the discussion how good it is hasn’t got a real conclusion. It notoriously became famous when a DJ played it as a joke, because he thought it was awful. What followed was a hype and even a governmental investigation of the lyrics. The backstory is enough reason to make this an unforgettable song. But I’ll add another reason: it is great, great fun.

[imgsize 250x250]http://www.songlyrics.audio/wp-content/ ... onely5.jpg[/imgsize]
[102] Roy Orbison | Only The Lonely (Know The Way I Feel) | 701.3 pts
AM rank : 231
AM 1960s rank : 79
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 185
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 78
Position in 1960 poll : 5

Highest rank: BleuPanda(17)
Not Fans: CharlieDriggs(145/146), Rob(148)

Rob: Roy Orbison singing only for the lonely? Hey, that is me and I want it only! The sadness in the voice is pure Orbison, but… I still come close to disliking this song. Because what are those awful, horrible, ridiculous, stupid and annoying background singers doing there? What is it actually that they hope to achieve? The only thing I know for sure is that they don’t add anything to the melancholy of the song. In fact they detract from it. They sound silly, cheesy and comical. Did Orbison tell them they are in a love song, instead of a song of yearning? Orbison himself is so amazing here that I couldn’t give it the last place, but there is nothing on this list I hate more than these background singers here.

[imgsize 250x250]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ ... elease.jpg[/imgsize]
[101] Johnny Cash | Ring of Fire | 701.5 pts
AM rank : 286
AM 1960s rank : 100
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 130
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 68
Position in 1963 poll : 5

Highest rank: Zombeels(13)
Not Fans: DaveC(142), Miguel(142)

Rob: Love may be a burning thing, but it is rather obvious that Johnny Cash enjoys the heat. And so does everybody else, because this may be the song most people think of when hearing Cash’ name. It’s more than 50 years old now, but the fire never dies. At least not for me.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Tue Jan 19, 2016 2:02 am

Next up the top 100, including 5 songs unranked on AM - none of which are sung in French.

Sweepstakes Ron · Post by **Sweepstakes Ron** » Tue Jan 19, 2016 2:06 am

EDIT: Misread the comment

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Tue Jan 19, 2016 8:22 am

[100] The Beatles | She Loves You | 701.9 pts
AM rank : 114
AM 1960s rank : 42
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 112
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 67
Position in 1963 poll : 5

Highest rank: Harold(28)
Not Fans: Rob(144)

[99] Bob Dylan | The Times They Are A-Changin' | 712.5 pts
AM rank : 270
AM 1960s rank : 93
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 143
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1964 poll : 14

Highest rank: Rob(22)
Not Fans: sonofsamiam(139), Zombeels(117/122)

Rob: The song that introduced me to Dylan, my favourite artist. The times perhaps didn’t change as much as Dylan would have wanted and there is a good chance it never will. At least we have this song that never seems to lose its promise and its threat that the future will never be the same again. Of all the protest songs Dylan made in the sixties this one seems the best to use in actual protests.

[imgsize 333x250]http://img.youtube.com/vi/ls2lC7DQFMI/hqdefault.jpg[/imgsize]
[98] Roy Orbison | Crying | 712.5 pts
AM rank : 350
AM 1960s rank : 116
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 161
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 73
Position in 1961 poll : 7

Fans: BleuPanda(4)
Not Fans: CharlieDriggs(132/146)

BleuPanda: This song's inclusion in the key scene of my favorite movie turned me into a giant Orbison fan. Roy has a beautiful voice, and the crescendo at the end of this track is his absolute best.

Rob: Crying is tailor-made for Roy Orbison, of course. His voice has an amazing range, but at the same time I usually have the feeling he wants it to cry. So here you are.

[imgsize 250x250]http://streamd.hitparade.ch/cdimages/th ... in_s_5.jpg[/imgsize]
[97] The Righteous Brothers | You've Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’ | 716.5 pts
AM rank : 39
AM 1960s rank : 19
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 80
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 75
Position in 1964 poll : 6

Fans: Craig(15), Henry(15)
Not Fans: CharlieDriggs(133/146), DaveC(136), JamieW(144)

Rob: Songs like these can seem old-fashioned nowadays, but I find myself attracted to them nonetheless. The Righteous Brothers have simply wonderful voices, which few could replicate. But the arrangements have an aching beauty too, befitting its subject.

[96] The Beatles | You Never Give Me Your Money | 722.5 pts
AM rank : Unranked
AM 1960s rank : Unranked
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 144
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1969 poll : 6

Fans: BangJan(8), sonofsamiam(10), Zombeels(4)
Not Fans: bonnielaurel(150), Bruno(150), Dan(143)

Rob: The beginning of the famous Abbey Road medley is almost a medley on itself, because it consists of three clearly separable parts. A bit like A Day in the Life, but not quite as good as that one. That sounds more critical than I am, because I like this song. All the parts are well executed and catchy, but at the same time they don’t quite gel as much as I would like.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Tue Jan 19, 2016 9:17 am

[imgsize 589x250]http://i.imgur.com/S4wP3Ar.jpg[/imgsize]
[95] Ennio Morricone | L'estasi dell'oro | 727.2 pts
AM rank : Unranked
AM 1960s rank : Unranked
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 72
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1966 poll : 12

Fans: Rob(4), sonofsamiam(14)
Not Fans: bonnielaurel(143), Bruno(142), DaveC(138)

BleuPanda: My single favorite track from a film score. It's actually strange how different this song can feel. Out of context it is an epic piece, but its use within The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly creates a sense of dizzying madness, a rush of searching for something that isn't there.

Rob: Even among the many great pieces of music that have been written for movies this one stands out. The scene it plays in could have been done a whole lot shorter and be more to the point, but that is not Leone’s way. Instead, he made the Ugly’s search of a certain tombstone in a large graveyard into something epic, something that feels like a rush of gold to the head. Miraculously, Ennio Morricone captured how such a thing feels like. It sounds immense and beautiful.

[94] Booker T. & the M.G.'s | Green Onions | 728.1 pts
AM rank : 137
AM 1960s rank : 51
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 90
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 65
Position in 1962 poll : 3

Fans: CharlieDriggs(10)
Not Fans: Rob(140)

Rob: Green Onions is easily one of the more famous and enduring instrumentals of the era, but not one of my personal favourites. It’s fun, but a bit to repetitive to my tastes. Great title, though.

[93] The Beatles | Revolution | 730.6 pts
AM rank : 369
AM 1960s rank : 122
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 91
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1968 poll : 11

Fans: Brad(13), RedAnt(12)
Not Fans: bonnielaurel(149), sonofsamiam(147)

Rob: During the period that was filled with protests and cries for revolutions The Beatles came with a song that contains some of their most interesting lyrics. Hippie John Lennon didn’t seem to recognize himself in much of the protests, even if he agreed with the politics. It made for one of the Beatles best rock songs and an interesting, different kind of protest song.

[92] Bernard Herrmann | Psycho: Prelude | 734.5 pts
AM rank : Unranked
AM 1960s rank : Unranked
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 220
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 80
Position in 1960 poll : 12

Fans: CharlieDriggs(8), Henrik(5)
Not Fans: BangJan(145), Bruno(139), DaveC(146), Listyguy(140), Miguel(140), RedAnt(147)

MaschineMan: Sountrack moments are often dificult to seperate from their image. I love the film, but I can't imagine someone would be a fan of one or the other.

Rob: Violins weren’t having the happiest of years in 1960. Formerly they were known as instruments of great beauty; of the ultimate romance. They could pride themselves in being hard to play. But suddenly, in 1960 Krzysztof Penderecki decided to use them to scream for the victims of Hiroshima, while Hitchock made them scream for victims in pulp horror. In the latter case, they also were used for a more suspenseful melody that made the main theme. Still, nobody could trust violins ever again, because Herrmann used them for his patented psychological soundscapes. He was truly a visionary composer under film musicians, only equalled by the very different Ennio Morricone.

[imgsize 444x250]http://cp91279.biography.com/BRAND_BIO_ ... 2-16x9.jpg[/imgsize]
[91] Etta James | At Last | 738.9 pts
AM rank : 629
AM 1960s rank : 173
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 188
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 69
Position in 1960 poll : 7

Fans: Dan(5)
Not Fans: luney6(147)

Rob: Etta James of course has a reputation for having one of the best voices of pop music, but she lacks a song like Aretha Franklin’s Respect that would secure her place as an all-time great icon. Too bad, because she has done very good work, like this love ballad that puts soul in the soul genre.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Tue Jan 19, 2016 6:13 pm

[imgsize 333x250]https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vrYvcFDNmBM/hqdefault.jpg[/imgsize]
[90] The Doors | The End | 739.1 pts
AM rank : 384
AM 1960s rank : 127
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 73
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1967 poll : 18

Fans: luney6(4)
Not Fans: Craig(141), Dan(147), Henry(141), Zombeels(119/122)

Rob: It was only the beginning of The Doors’ career, but on their first album they already announced the end. They did it convincingly. The lyrics are a bit much sometimes, but still this is a real masterpiece as Morrison’s voice and the musicians know how to paint an apocalyptic picture like few others.

[imgsize 250x250]http://eil.com/images/main/Bob+Dylan+A+ ... 293950.jpg[/imgsize]
[89] Bob Dylan | A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall | 739.8 pts
AM rank : 635
AM 1960s rank : 174
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 118
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 70
Position in 1963 poll : 8

Fans: Harold(6), Listyguy(4), Rob(11)
Not Fans: Bruno(137), Craig(142), Dan(145), Henry(142)

Listyguy: It's hard to call any song Bob Dylan's greatest lyrical achievement, but if I had to choose, it's between this one and "It's All Right Ma"

Rob: Soon after Blowin’ in the Wind Dylan came out with this, an even more ambitious and challenging protest song. It is not only my favourite protest song by Dylan, but perhaps my favourite protest song, period. The word “epic” may be overused, also by me, yet here it is earned. I mean how many other songs feel like Biblical sermons full of the pains of the world. It’s too ambitious to work, but it still does, because the poetry is truly awesome and Dylan never sounded more sincere.

[imgsize 333x250]http://abcjazz.net.au/sites/default/fil ... ngus_0.jpg[/imgsize]
[88] Charles Mingus | Modes D-F: Trio and Group Dancers | 741 pts
AM rank : Unranked
AM 1960s rank : Unranked
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 93
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1963 poll : 11

Fans: luney6(10), sonofsamiam(3)
Not Fans: Bruno(140), Henrik(140), Miguel(139)

Rob: So I’m the first to admit I’m not very knowledgeable in jazz. Instead of sparing me you threw this behemoth of a song in my lap. Even the title is unwieldy. I’m not even going to attempt to describe this track, but I will say that even for a novice it is easy to hear the greatness in this magnum opus by Mingus. There is a lot happening. I feel there are more variations than even the title suggests. Yet is all flows gracefully. I may not fully know what Mingus is doing here, but it is clear he did.

[87] The Beach Boys | Don't Worry Baby | 748.7 pts
AM rank : 167
AM 1960s rank : 65
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 75
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 58
Position in 1964 poll : 9

Fans: Dan(12)
Not Fans: bonnielaurel(145), RedAnt(145)

Rob: A very sweet ballad about an equally sweet relationship. Of course The Beach Boys admired the work Phil Spector did with girl groups just a few years earlier and this always struck me as a song these girl groups could consider, though they would take the role of the girlfriend of course. As per usual with this band at this period the melody is extremely beautiful, but it is the vocals that stand out. It could easily have been overly sentimental. Maybe it still is. Yet, the singing is so achingly sincere and the voice so clear it becomes something genuinely moving.

[86] The Beatles | I Want To Hold Your Hand | 751 pts
AM rank : 45
AM 1960s rank : 22
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 33
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1963 poll : 5

Fans: Dan(6)
Not Fans: CharlieDriggs(136/146), Henrik(150), luney6(150), Rob(147)

Rob: Nothing against The Beatles, but this is one of the most overrated tracks ever in my opinion. All right, it has a nice drive to it, but the somewhat nagging singing here annoys me. It also never struck me as quite as unique as The Beatle fans make it out to be. Compared to many other songs from 1963 we selected it just doesn’t compare all that favourably. But honestly that is my feeling about most early Beatles classics. Not my favourite period of theirs.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Tue Jan 19, 2016 6:25 pm

Great placement there for Charles Mingus.

The next batch of songs will include the highest ranked song that is unranked on AM.

Sweepstakes Ron · Post by **Sweepstakes Ron** » Tue Jan 19, 2016 6:26 pm

It's nice to see "I Get Around" ahead of "Don't Worry Baby" for once. I can't imagine the difference is very much, though.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Tue Jan 19, 2016 9:13 pm

[imgsize 444x250]https://41.media.tumblr.com/9ee10fa79d1 ... o1_540.jpg[/imgsize]
[85] Bob Dylan | Visions of Johanna | 758.8 pts
AM rank : 294
AM 1960s rank : 103
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 127
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 50
Position in 1966 poll : 8

Fans: luney6(8)
Not Fans: bonnielaurel(138), Craig(148), Henry(148)

Rob: Visions of Johanna could be a love song, about Dylan longing for Johanna. It still is in a way, but it mostly feels like reaching for happiness without believing in happiness. There is a ghostly quality to this poem that is probably the reason it has stood out for so many people, including me, even though it is inaccessible in any way. Even the music is uncomfortable. But the song is majestic too, especially when we come to the final lyrics which have a particularly awesome rhyme.

[imgsize 333x250]https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LVNUd6J5CQA/hqdefault.jpg[/imgsize]
[84] The Shirelles | Will You Love Me Tomorrow | 759.1 pts
AM rank : 162
AM 1960s rank : 64
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 109
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 77
Position in 1960 poll : 2

Highest rank: RedAnt(26)
Not Fans: Henrik(142)

Rob: The success of Will You Love Me Tomorrow to me comes from it subdued subtlety. Sometimes these all-time girl group ballads can be a bit much to me, but Shirley Owens has quite a unique voice that is used to full effect here. She sells every conflicted emotion of this song.

[imgsize 496x250]http://www.vanyaland.com/wp-content/upl ... 80x645.jpg[/imgsize]
[83] The Zombies | Hung Up on a Dream | 759.8 pts
AM rank : Unranked
AM 1960s rank : Unranked
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 78
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 47
Position in 1968 poll : 6

Fans: Brad(3), CharlieDriggs(9), sonofsamiam(11), Zombeels(11)
Not Fans: Bruno(138), Rob(137)

Rob: A masterpiece, but not in the way we got the song now. By which I mean that I recognize there is a beautiful song somewhere hidden in Hung Up on a Dream. Sadly, it is overproduced. There is just so much going on here, there are so many layers, but they don’t elevate each other. Instead, something beautiful becomes murky. It is like a wall of sound that is perhaps too much wall. It could have been a top 15 track, instead it ends in my bottom 15.

[imgsize 250x250]http://cdn.discogs.com/IQAcY5CLiGYGExFm ... 7.jpeg.jpg[/imgsize]
[82] Glen Campbell | Wichita Lineman | 761.3 pts
AM rank : 142
AM 1960s rank : 54
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 87
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 59
Position in 1968 poll : 9

Fans: Henrik(4), sonofsamiam(2)
Not Fans: Brad(143), luney6(145), Miguel(138), Zombeels(114/122)

MaschineMan: A song I knew of, but didn't know. I expect this to climb high and fast on my own personal list.

Rob: Country songs are said to be about the hard life. Of course Wichita Lineman isn’t really different. It is about a hard worker. But Glen Campbell finds the beauty here and makes it into one of the best love songs of this list. The lines “I need you more than want/ I want you for all time” are a personal favourite.

[imgsize 359x250]http://psychedmaster.org/img/Desolation%20Row.jpg[/imgsize]
[81] Bob Dylan | Desolation Row | 763 pts
AM rank : 366
AM 1960s rank : 120
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 102
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 35
Position in 1965 poll : 8

Fans: Rob(3)
Not Fans: MaschineMan(129/139)

Rob: Only Dylan. Desolation Row shouldn’t exist. Surely there isn’t a basis in popular music for something as big, grotesque and wildly imaginative like this, at least lyrically. It’s an surreal, deep, mysterious and inexplicable fresco worthy of Hieronymus Bosch, but updated to the sixties. We need such a song for these times too, but we probably won’t get it. Who could you imagine trying it?

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Tue Jan 19, 2016 9:31 pm

Man, the Dylan songs are dropping like flies. Only three of his 11 are left!

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 1:17 am

[imgsize 250x250]http://ukuleleclub.org/wp-content/uploa ... panema.jpg[/imgsize]
[80] Stan Getz, João Gilberto & Astrud Gilberto | The Girl from Ipanema | 764.1 pts
AM rank : 379
AM 1960s rank : 125
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 105
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 48
Position in 1964 poll : 10

Fans: bonnielaurel(15), Honorio(13)
Not Fans: DaveC(145), luney6(137)

Honorio: Vinícius de Moraes and Antônio Carlos Jobim used to go to Ipanema Beach to chat and have some drinks at the terrace of the Veloso Bar. One fine day that graceful "garota" (girl) passed by and right there they laid down that tune. It’s amazing that such a daily affair (who had not fallen immediately in love with some pretty thing walking?) gave birth to a superb song that swings and sways just like the hips of Helô Pinheiro, the name of that graceful real girl from Ipanema.

Rob: Alright, this song is sometimes attributed to just Stan Getz and João Gilberto and at other times to Antômio Carlos Jobim too. But despite being a lead singer on it Astrud Gilberto didn’t get an artist credit. That’s not very sporty, especially not because to me she carries the whole thing. Sure the other guys gave the song a nice flow and a pretty tune, but I have to admit that to my ears it a somewhat dull prettiness. Only when Astrud sings it becomes more than that. If only slightly, I just don’t find this song all that interesting.

[79] Aretha Franklin | I Say a Little Prayer | 766.4 pts
AM rank : 304
AM 1960s rank : 108
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 126
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1968 poll : 12

Fans: Miguel(6)
Not Fans: Brad(137), Harold(136), luney6(148)

Honorio: Aretha infused pure soul power to the sophisticated material by Bacharach-David not losing an ounce of elegance.

MaschineMan: Where would the world of 'Adverts Targeted Towards Women' be without this classic?

[imgsize 250x252]http://www.acousticguitar.com/var/ezweb ... _width.jpg[/imgsize]
[78] Nick Drake | River Man | 767 pts
AM rank : 628
AM 1960s rank : 172
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 153
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 45
Position in 1969 poll : 4

Fans: sonofsamiam(15)
Not Fans: bonnielaurel(142), MaschineMan(131/139), RedAnt(141)

Honorio: The enigmatic but suggestive lyrics, the sweetly whispered Drake voice, the softly strummed guitars, the gentle 5/4 time signature, the delicate but ominous strings, the dark and autumnal ambiance. So beautiful that it hurts. Really.

Rob: Nick Drake is a singer whose songs I most appreciate in the context of an album. His music seems to require a long flow of his whispered, melancholy and mysterious music. It works less well in the context of a list like this, where his quiet can seem to drown among the noise made by people like Simon & Garfunkel or Leonard Cohen (let alone Led Zeppelin or The Who). That is no knock on Nick Drake, it just makes him more unique. And among his songs, River Man is the one that works the best as a standalone track.

[77] The Byrds | Eight Miles High | 777.1 pts
AM rank : 94
AM 1960s rank : 39
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 83
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1966 poll : 10

Fans: Zombeels(9)
Not Fans: Dan(140), Rob(146)

Rob: This is one of those huge classics I don’t get. I don’t mind it at all, but it just always passes me by. I always forget about it even.

[imgsize 250x250]https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3350/3277 ... c00e_b.jpg[/imgsize]
[76] The Rolling Stones | Jumpin' Jack Flash | 784.1 pts
AM rank : 51
AM 1960s rank : 24
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 85
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1968 poll : 14

Fans: RedAnt(10)
Lowest rank: Dan(134)

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 1:40 am

Forthcoming we have the second song that received a #1 vote and two songs that received #2 votes.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 5:11 am

[75] Patsy Cline | Crazy | 787.5 pts
AM rank : 143
AM 1960s rank : 55
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 54
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 84
Position in 1961 poll : 4

Fans: DaveC(2), Henrik(11)
Not Fans: Listyguy(141)

DaveC: Just as with my #1, it it the vocal that makes this sublime. I don't know anything about recording techniques, but it seems to me that we never hear vocals rendered so intimately these days.

Rob: There has been a revival of female ballads in the style of the fifties and sixties, mostly thanks to Amy Winehouse and Adele. Yet we still haven’t gotten something that sounds like Patsy Cline’s Crazy. In form maybe, but the song has a particular cool sound that few since have replicated.

[74] The Beach Boys | Sloop John B. | 787.7 pts
AM rank : 1974
AM 1960s rank : 406
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 176
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1966 poll : 15

Fans: Miguel(11), Rob(8)
Not Fans: Honorio(144), JamieW(145)

Rob: Sloop John B. has stiff competition by God Only Knows, but I think it is my favourite song by The Beach Boys. It is at the very least the one that sold me on the band, quite a few summers ago now. The best thing about this band is how the voices are used and I love how they overlap here in the chorus, creating a tumultuous melody that suits it subject. Few if any people have ever given an old folk song such new life as Wilson did here.

[imgsize 444x250]https://images.rapgenius.com/3wz1viw1gf ... x563x1.jpg[/imgsize]
[73] Jacques Brel | Amsterdam | 791.5 pts
AM rank : 2153
AM 1960s rank : 437
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 41
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 60
Position in 1964 poll : 5

Fans: Dan(1), JamieW(13)
Not Fans: Bruno(136), Craig(144), Henry(144), RedAnt(149)

Rob: Jacques Brel has quite a big reputation in The Netherlands, but before this poll I never really paid attention to him. Part of the reason is that he is known as a sort-of poet and I don’t speak his language. My loss, I know now. No matter if I can’t really tell what he is singing about, I discovered through this poll that he can captivate me with the greatest of ease. You can hear he is totally living his songs and never more so than in the amazing Amsterdam, the second greatest discovery for me in this poll. It has a furious power. The lyrics, based on translations, are great too, although I wonder if he isn’t really singing about port city Rotterdam instead of Amsterdam.

[imgsize 257x250]http://img.youtube.com/vi/ls2lC7DQFMI/hqdefault.jpg[/imgsize]
[72] Roy Orbison | In Dreams | 794.8 pts
AM rank : 502
AM 1960s rank : 143
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 40
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 39
Position in 1963 poll : 2

Fans: BleuPanda(12), Dan(2)
Not Fans: MaschineMan(133/139), Zombeels(111/122)

Honorio: A candy-colored clown. A touch of (blue) velvet. You're mine. It's too bad that all these things only happen... in dreams.

Rob: Yes, Blue Velvet. I would have loved this song any way, but David Lynch tapped into a dark undercurrent that perhaps aren’t supported by the lyrics, yet is there in the uncomfortable melancholy of the music and the haunting voice of Roy Orbison. It is his masterpiece and I guess that Orbison knew that nightmares count as dreams too.

[imgsize 253x250]http://rockyourlyrics.com/wp-content/up ... -Lane-.jpg[/imgsize]
[71] The Beatles | Penny Lane | 796.2 pts
AM rank : 155
AM 1960s rank : 60
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 31
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1967 poll : 7

Highest rank: MaschineMan(20)
Not Fans: Henrik(143), JamieW(148)

Rob: A funny and lively description of the people and happenings on Penny Lane also gets one of the most lively and lovely arrangements The Beatles ever had. This is easily one of my favourite tracks of theirs. It’s just so filled with good cheer without being corny and the trumpets are irresistible. No single song can be said to capture The Beatles’ style in full, but I always felt this one came closest.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 8:02 am

[imgsize 250x250]http://songmango.com/wp-content/uploads ... -cover.jpg[/imgsize]
[70] The Supremes | Where Did Our Love Go | 796.9 pts
AM rank : 269
AM 1960s rank : 92
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 206
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1964 poll : 14

Fans: bonnielaurel(13)
Not Fans: Honorio(137)

Rob: I like The Supremes and Diana Ross, without really caring all that much about them. Maybe it is the existence of all those Spector-backed girl groups that make them seem lesser than they are. No matter, they are important and deserve a spot on this list. Though they have lot of better ones than Where Did Our Love Go, which is good and well-performed, but also maybe a bit too conventional to stand out.

[69] Dionne Warwick | Walk On By | 798.2 pts
AM rank : 145
AM 1960s rank : 56
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 163
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 61
Position in 1964 poll : 12

Fans: bonnielaurel(9)
Lowest rank: Dan(122)

Honorio: A lesson on style (but not exent at all of emotion) directly from the Brill Building. The perfect conjunction of brilliant songwriting (Burt Bacharach and Hal David) and amazing performance (Dionne Warwick). This is class, boys. Absolutely.

Rob: Don’t walk on by, listen to Walk On By! It’s Warwick on her best. I just love that soft voice of hers.

[68] Bob Dylan | Blowin' In the Wind | 805.5 pts
AM rank : 301
AM 1960s rank : 106
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 113
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 76
Position in 1963 poll : 4

Fans: BangJan(13), bonnielaurel(1)
Not Fans: CharlieDriggs(144/146), MaschineMan(127/139), sonofsamiam(143)

Rob: With Blowin’ in the Wind Dylan set out to make a song that sounded like a wise lament of old and obviously he succeeded. There are Dylan songs that are more interesting musically or vocally, but the rhetorical questions asked by the song still stand tall among Dylan’s lyrics. No wonder he could build his reputation on this.

[67] Sam Cooke | Wonderful World | 812 pts
AM rank : 868
AM 1960s rank : 217
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 162
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 64
Position in 1960 poll : 1

Fans: Miguel(8)
Not Fans: CharlieDriggs(135/146)

MaschineMan: This was the only Sam Cooke song I could stomach. It more than makes up for the others.

Rob: A very solid Cooke song and one of his most recognizable. It is very sweet and well performed, but for me it is mostly tied to a scene in the Peter Weir film Witness that impressed me when I was a little kid. Look it up if you haven’t seen it. Other Cooke songs have surpassed this one as my favourite, but it never lost its promise.

[imgsize 254x250]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ ... ur_Dog.jpg[/imgsize]
[66] The Stooges | I Wanna Be Your Dog | 812.4 pts
AM rank : 239
AM 1960s rank : 81
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 81
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 49
Position in 1969 poll : 7

Fans: BleuPanda(15), luney6(7)
Not Fans: bonnielaurel(139), Craig(145), Henry(145), Miguel(150), Rob(141)

Honorio: Rock & roll should always be like that: wild, dirty, loud, vicious, sweaty, abrasive, furious, raw and dangerous. The Stooges' debut is considered in Rateyourmusic one of the top releases of the Proto-Punk style. Search… and destroy.

Rob: If The Velvet Underground know to make sadomasochism work for me with Venus In Furs, I Wanna Be Your Dog fails. Its propulsive guitar is okay, but the song itself always struck me as dull, despite its subject. I prefer later albums by The Stooges anyway.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 6:08 pm

[65] The Beatles | A Hard Day's Night | 820.5 pts
AM rank : 368
AM 1960s rank : 121
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 89
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 43
Position in 1964 poll : 3

Fans: Craig(8), Henry(8)
Not Fans: luney6(149)

MaschineMan: While I enjoy this song, I have to say I don't get why people love it *that* much. I'll be disappointed if this is Number 1.

Rob: I come down rather harshly on early Beatle songs here, but not with A Hard Day’s Night. I like this one a lot actually. From the opening riffs it is clear this song is really going to rock and it remains to this day one of the most satisfying pure rock song in the Beatles catalogue.

[64] Édith Piaf | Non je ne regrette rien | 821.4 pts
AM rank : 3271
AM 1960s rank : 616
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 61
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1960 poll : 3

Fans: Dan(7), DaveC(7), MaschineMan(2)
Not Fans: BangJan(146), Craig(143), Henry(143), JamieW(138), Listyguy(142), luney6(141)

MaschineMan: I think it's criminal how low this song is on the AM chart.

Rob: Edith Piaf had a lot to regret, but not this song. Like a true diva she made a song with big emotions, but she pulls it off like few others. It is larger than life, but Piaf’s voice has a roughness that grounds it and makes it work as something that is grand, but still feels honest and human.

[imgsize 250x250]http://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_40 ... 775694.jpg[/imgsize]
[63] The Turtles | Happy Together | 824 pts
AM rank : 1179
AM 1960s rank : 283
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 123
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1967 poll : 17

Fans: Miguel(15), Zombeels(1)
Lowest rank: Honorio(130)

MaschineMan: Thank you 'That 70's Show' for bringin this song to my attention.

Rob: Happy Together features prominently in one of my top 10 films. It also coincidently played during not one, but two important and happy moments in my life. So don’t expect me to rank this song objectively. It is really a bit corny, but also very well executed pop. Not particularly original, but it works very well. May it give happy memories to generations to come.

[62] The Zombies | She's Not There | 825.4 pts
AM rank : 636
AM 1960s rank : 175
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 134
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 54
Position in 1964 poll : 11

Fans: JamieW(6)
Lowest rank: Listyguy(118)

Rob: An early Zombies’ song and perhaps their most well-known track, although the successful cover by Santana might have something to do with that. It showcases The Zombies’ good ear for a melody, even though I don’t think they were ever on par with The Beatles or The Beach Boys in my opinion.

[imgsize 250x250]http://www.i4dl.com/wp-content/uploads/ ... rane-1.jpg[/imgsize]
[61] John Coltrane | My Favorite Things | 825.7 pts
AM rank : 606
AM 1960s rank : 168
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 103
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 53
Position in 1961 poll : 3

Fans: JamieW(12), sonofsamiam(7)
Not Fans: Henrik(147), RedAnt(138)

Honorio: The importance of the performer. I can't stand the song sung by Julie Andrews but the Coltrane cover sends me chills.

Rob: When I was a kid it was a family tradition to watch The Sound of Music every Christmas. That has passed nowadays, but I’ve never forgotten how much I despised that movie and every atrocious song in it. So don’t blame me that I never before this poll felt the need to listen to John Coltrane’s My Favourite Things. There is so many music still to listen to, so even if Coltrane is a genius of jazz, this was an easy one to skip. Sadly, the song appeared in this poll so I had to force my way through it. Honestly, Coltrane’s take is quite good. Very good and full of life even. But I can’t live with myself if I praise anything associated with The Sound of Music. There is too much at stake now. So let me just give this song a nice place on my ballot and then proceed to say I hate this song. That’s a good compromise.

Maschine_Man · Post by **Maschine_Man** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 6:36 pm

DaveC wrote: MaschineMan: While I enjoy this song, I have to say I don't get why people love it *that* much. I'll be disappointed if this is Number 1.

Whoops, this was meant for A Day In The Life, which makes far more sense. While I'm here, I'd like to commend Rob on his insightful and well-written comments as opposed to my rushed last-minute thoughts.

Not Fans: BangJan(146), Craig(143), Henry(143), JamieW(138), Listyguy(142), luney6(141)

criminal

Brad · Post by **Brad** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 6:41 pm

DaveC wrote: Rob: When I was a kid it was a family tradition to watch The Sound of Music every Christmas. That has passed nowadays, but I’ve never forgotten how much I despised that movie and every atrocious song in it.

Yeah but Liesel was smokin'!
On a more serious note (though I was being serious), Coltrane takes this song into another dimension entirely.

Dan · Post by **Dan** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 7:11 pm

Sometimes I think there should be more of this kind of sentiment in the world, but most of the time I think that that's a sentiment that does more harm than good. I don't mean to compare presenting a poll on AM to being a genius jazz musician like Charlie Parker - I'm just trying to say that sometimes the words "good job" are deserved. And you're certainly doing a good job of presenting the results of this poll, DaveC. Thank you.

In every other decade poll we've done, there were a couple of people whose ranking of songs I felt close to. Not so much this time round. I'm pleased to be the biggest fan of classic (and mostly - to my ears at least - insanely catchy) early 60s tunes like "I Want to Hold Your Hand", "Runaround Sue", "Blue Moon", "Hit the Road Jack" and "Do You Love Me". I honestly don't get how supposedly 'more intelligent' or 'more evolved' late-60s rock songs like "The End" or "Eight Miles High" get so much praise. To me, they're so dull in comparison. Each to their own, I guess.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 7:19 pm

Brad wrote:
DaveC wrote: Rob: When I was a kid it was a family tradition to watch The Sound of Music every Christmas. That has passed nowadays, but I’ve never forgotten how much I despised that movie and every atrocious song in it.
Yeah but Liesel was smokin'!
On a more serious note (though I was being serious), Coltrane takes this song into another dimension entirely.

I have to confess that the 'Sound of Music' connotation is a problem for me too. The feelings and memories that songs evoke have a big effect on how I react to them.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 7:29 pm

[60] The Velvet Underground and Nico | All Tomorrow's Parties | 833.7 pts
AM rank : 1299
AM 1960s rank : 306
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 71
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1966 poll : 7

Fans: Brad(4), CharlieDriggs(2), Listyguy(14), MaschineMan(9)
Not Fans: bonnielaurel(147), Craig(138), Henry(138), JamieW(146)

MaschineMan: ... for Thursday's child is Sunday's klaaaaahn.

Rob: My favourite track by The Velvet Underground. Nico’s vocals are weird and create a distance that fit well with the sardonic take on a girl who can’t seem to find clothes to wear for parties. The noisy guitar work here is also the best The Velvets ever had in my opinion.

[imgsize 250x250]http://jasobrecht.com/wp-content/upload ... e-Free.jpg[/imgsize]
[59] Jimi Hendrix | Hey Joe | 835.6 pts
AM rank : 249
AM 1960s rank : 87
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 77
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 44
Position in 1966 poll : 5

Fans: Listyguy(15)
Lowest rank: Rob(131)

Listyguy: Jimi's the man.

Rob: This song put Jimi Hendrix on the map in one broad stroke. Of course, those awesome guitar riffs sold the deal. Despite these I never embraced this song much. It has to do with the lyrics, where Jimi seems to praise Joe for shooting his wife. Do we need to hope Joe really gets to Mexico? It always struck me as a bit of a nasty song, even if I don’t want to take it too seriously.

[imgsize 250x250]http://static.stereogum.com/uploads/200 ... y-Life.jpg[/imgsize]
[58] The Beatles | In My Life | 837.8 pts
AM rank : 115
AM 1960s rank : 43
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 35
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 33
Position in 1965 poll : 9

Fans: Harold(5)
Lowest rank: Henrik(129)

Rob: For all the talents The Beatles had, they rarely evoke very deep feelings in me. They are not the most obvious band to deliver a song about the melancholy emotions of faraway memories. Against all odds they succeed however and deliver one of their most beautiful, sweet and soulful songs with In My Life.

[57] Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin | Je t'aime... moi non plus | 839.7 pts
AM rank : 306
AM 1960s rank : 109
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 57
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 30
Position in 1969 poll : 3

Fans: Henrik(2)
Not Fans: Dan(139), Rob(138)

BleuPanda: This song's a good icebreaker. Throw it on at any party with those unfamiliar. It's a wonderful experience.

Honorio: Time has tempered the shock, those orgasmic moans sound today even charming, but it still creates an uncomfortable and embarrassing situation if the car radio plays it while you're driving with, let's say, your mother or your kids.

Rob: It’s a very pretty melody and yes it is a seductive song. It’s cheeky and good fun. But the best song not in English ever? Surely that vote can only be made by people who know absolutely nothing about non-English language songs? Certainly in a decade that featured Jacques Brel in his prime. Je T’Aime Moi Non Plus always struck me as a novelty song, slightly ruined by the gimmicky use of the sexual breathings by Jane Birkin. The music is quite good I admit, but I wouldn’t call it a masterpiece of any kind.

[56] Bob Dylan | Subterranean Homesick Blues | 839.7 pts
AM rank : 140
AM 1960s rank : 53
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 30
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 46
Position in 1965 poll : 10

Fans: Dan(3), Rob(9)
Lowest rank: Miguel(131)

MaschineMan: If it weren't for its groundbreaking and super-influential visuals, this song wouldn't be so high on my list.

Rob: I never considered Dylan just a serious artist, even if his reputation is as such. There is too much humour in his work. Sometimes it is even unabashed fun. Subterranean Homesick Blues may contain protest like lyrics, but it is obviously just Dylan having a ball. At the same time he changed music forever and broke many people’s tongues while they tried to keep up with him. One of the most entertaining songs I know.

Sweepstakes Ron · Post by **Sweepstakes Ron** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 7:49 pm

"Norwegian Wood" ahead of "In My Life"? Really? (Of course, "Nowhere Man" is my favorite from the album.)

Live in Phoenix · Post by **Live in Phoenix** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 8:05 pm

You've been doing a great job with everything, DaveC. (I'll actually have my act together for the albums final.) Might I mention that you have the incorrect Beatles "...Life" cover posted above.

Some powerful Sound of Music hate! I guess if it had been a Christmas tradition, instead of a one-time viewing, I might have a different vibe with it.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 8:07 pm

Thanks for those generous sentiments Dan.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 8:15 pm

Live in Phoenix wrote:You've been doing a great job with everything, DaveC. (I'll actually have my act together for the albums final.) Might I mention that you have the incorrect Beatles "...Life" cover posted above.

Some powerful Sound of Music hate! I guess if it had been a Christmas tradition, instead of a one-time viewing, I might have a different vibe with it.

Thanks Live in Phoenix - image corrected.

Please keep those album rankings coming in everyone. I don't want to get Sonofsamiam's hopes up too much, but the bottom of the list is not dominated by jazz based on lists received to date.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 9:18 pm

[imgsize 250x250]https://cdn.americansongwriter.com/wp-c ... 778153.jpg[/imgsize]
[55] The Beatles | Something | 840.2 pts
AM rank : 216
AM 1960s rank : 76
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 68
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1969 poll : 8

Fans: Craig(13), Henrik(10), Henry(13)
Not Fans: bonnielaurel(146), Zombeels(118/122)

Rob: One of The Beatle songs that solidifies Harrisons reputation. It is a gorgeous melody that accompanies some appealing lyrics about love. The only thing that I think is a pity is that the outburst in emotion around the halfway point isn’t repeated again. It makes the structure of the song less predictable perhaps, but it makes for such a great chorus that it really is a missed opportunity.

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[54] The Jimi Hendrix Experience | Voodoo Child (Slight Return) | 844.7 pts
AM rank : 249
AM 1960s rank : 87
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 47
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 40
Position in 1968 poll : 15

Fans: BangJan(2)
Not Fans: MaschineMan(126/139)

Listyguy: Jimi's the man.

Rob: Voodoo Child always struck me as one of Hendrix’ weirdest songs. Mostly it is typical Hendrix, with the way he uses his guitar to create an atmosphere more than a rhythm. Yet there is something else too. Maybe it is the way the lyrics seem to suggest something mystical and epic. This way Hendrix elevates his song from the reality of Hey Joe or the psychedelia of Purple Haze and enters the mythical. It is not just the lyrics though, the whole music seems out of this world. It took a while for me to get into this song, but now I think it is one of the best of Hendrix.

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[53] The Temptations | My Girl | 856.8 pts
AM rank : 125
AM 1960s rank : 48
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 56
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1964 poll : 7

Fans: BleuPanda(10), Craig(9), Henry(9)
Lowest rank: Brad(125)

BleuPanda: This is one of those great songs I can't possibly describe in an adequate way with my limited musical vocabulary. More than the other songs in my top 10, this one is entirely centered around structure.

Honorio: Robert White and James Jamerson from the Funk Brothers eating at a burger bar. Then it sounds the intro of "My Girl." Everyone there recognizes those magical bass and guitar notes, but not these great session musicians. God bless them.

Rob: I’ve noted before that I’m not exactly impressed by Smokey Robinson, but at least he gave The Temptations songs and they were able to make them seem more than they are. The lyrics are pretty bad (“I even got the month of May with my girl”, come on…), but the singing of The Temptations is just very good and they can sell the feelings of love.

[52] Del Shannon | Runaway | 858.3 pts
AM rank : 160
AM 1960s rank : 63
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 62
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 66
Position in 1961 poll : 2

Fans: JamieW(4)
Not Fans: Listyguy(147)

Rob: My favourite pre-Beatles rock song, mostly because it is so unpredictable. Shannon’s vocal acrobatics are amazing enough on themselves, but there is also that high pitched organ part that gave me chills the first fifty times I heard this song and carries the rhythm of the second half of the song to great effect.

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[51] The Beach Boys | Wouldn't It Be Nice | 858.7 pts
AM rank : 621
AM 1960s rank : 169
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 59
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1966 poll : 9

Fans: Miguel(12)
Lowest rank: Honorio(124)

MaschineMan: This song reminds me of how sad it is that many kids (like me) get their first taste of The Beach Boys through terrible samples on adverts. Cadbury almost ruined this song.

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 9:22 pm

Listyguy wrote:Man, the Dylan songs are dropping like flies. Only three of his 11 are left!

And now we're down to one. Only "Like a Rolling Stone" will make the top 50 songs of the decade. This is tragic.

Post by **Henrik** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 9:38 pm

I seem to be the only one here who prefers Julie Andrews' version over John Coltrane. In this song I think of Coltrane's sax as similar to Mariah Carey's vocals, always taking a couple of notes too much. The Sound of Music, however, is lovely.

I know I've just made a complete fool of myself. Please stay... Don't go away...

Sweepstakes Ron · Post by **Sweepstakes Ron** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 9:56 pm

Sweepstakes Ron wrote:It's nice to see "I Get Around" ahead of "Don't Worry Baby" for once. I can't imagine the difference is very much, though.

Glad to see I was wrong about this one. Even better, "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" is in the top 50! Not bad for a song that got only 4 votes in the all-time poll.

Live in Phoenix · Post by **Live in Phoenix** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 10:35 pm

Henrik wrote:I seem to be the only one here who prefers Julie Andrews' version over John Coltrane. In this song I think of Coltrane's sax as similar to Mariah Carey's vocals, always taking a couple of notes too much. The Sound of Music, however, is lovely.

I know I've just made a complete fool of myself. Please stay... Don't go away...

Sorry, we're all moving to Digital Dream Door now, lol

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 10:59 pm

So, onto the top 50 now. Featuring a number of songs that have received good boost. 45, 43, 42 and especially 32 & 31 stand out, but more of them later.

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[50] Dick Dale and The Del-Tones | Miserlou | 862.3 pts
AM rank : 1719
AM 1960s rank : 372
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 63
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 55
Position in 1962 poll : 1

Fans: Henrik(3), Miguel(5)
Not Fans: Bruno(141)

Honorio: "I love you, Pumpkin." "I love you, Honey Bunny." "Everybody be cool, this is a robbery!" And then… "Miserlou!"

MaschineMan: The ultimate pump up song.

Rob: The best of the string of guitar led instrumentals that seemed to be in fashion during the early sixties. It is an traditional song of course, but Dick Dale gave it new life and updated it to the era of surf music. Tarantino knew what energy it possessed when he let it start the openings credits of Pulp Fiction with a glorious bang. Outside of 21st Century Shizoid Man I can’t think of anything in this list that has the same furious tempo.

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[49] The Jimi Hendrix Experience | Purple Haze | 863.4 pts
AM rank : 43
AM 1960s rank : 21
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 50
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 27
Position in 1967 poll : 16

Highest rank: Bruno(19)
Lowest rank: Miguel(134)

Listyguy: Jimi's the man.

Rob: Another one of those sixties songs that not only seem to use drugs as its fuel, but also takes it as its subject. Jimi Hendrix clearly knew what drugs was and he knew how to create a spacy atmosphere with his guitar and feedback. I don’t really know why it is his highest ranked song on AM, but is still clearly is something special.

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[48] Ben E. King | Stand By Me | 864.9 pts
AM rank : 67
AM 1960s rank : 32
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 32
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : 56
Position in 1961 poll : 1

Highest rank: Bruno(16)
Lowest rank: CharlieDriggs(110/146)

Listyguy: To think that The Drifters thought they didn't need this song…

Rob: After a good run with The Drifters Ben E. King went solo. This resulted in his best work: the song Stand By Me. It is still one of the best soul love songs: honest, just a little raw and still very sweet. The use of strings is especially beautiful.

[47] The Beatles | Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) | 871.7 pts
AM rank : 313
AM 1960s rank : 110
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 48
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1965 poll : 7

Fans: Brad(6), Zombeels(10)
Lowest rank: Henrik(126)

Rob: Basically meant as a showcase for George Harrison’s sitar skills, but it became more than that. It is one of The Beatles most beautiful and original tracks, with cheeky lyrics to boot. Though obviously Harrison steals the song.

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[46] Jefferson Airplane | White Rabbit | 883.2 pts
AM rank : 246
AM 1960s rank : 85
AMF 2015 All-time poll 1960s rank : 43
AMF 2011 1960s poll rank : n/a
Position in 1967 poll : 11

Fans: BleuPanda(14), DaveC(3), luney6(11), Rob(6)
Not Fans: Dan(148)

BleuPanda: "White Rabbit" always impresses me with its lack of a payoff. Perhaps I return to it so much because I want it to linger, which turns out to be a great way to convince someone to listen to your music multiple times.

Rob: No, I don’t think you need to do drugs to be able to write something like Alice in Wonderland, but I’m glad Jefferson Airplane did think that. Or else we wouldn’t have had White Rabbit, the band’s masterpiece. Not just is it a great psychedelic song and a wonderful ode to surrealism, it also the best showcase of Grace Slick’s otherworldly voice. Forget A Day in the Life, to me this is the greatest of all the drug fuelled songs of the sixties.

Sweepstakes Ron · Post by **Sweepstakes Ron** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 11:03 pm

Add "Somebody to Love" beating out "White Rabbit" to the list of unexpected developments.

DaveC · Post by **DaveC** » Wed Jan 20, 2016 11:09 pm

Not the first time I'm agreeing with you Rob, but this time totally.

And yes Sweepstakes Ron, I am surprised by that.

Listyguy · Post by **Listyguy** » Thu Jan 21, 2016 12:31 am

Live in Phoenix wrote:
Henrik wrote:I seem to be the only one here who prefers Julie Andrews' version over John Coltrane. In this song I think of Coltrane's sax as similar to Mariah Carey's vocals, always taking a couple of notes too much. The Sound of Music, however, is lovely.

I know I've just made a complete fool of myself. Please stay... Don't go away...
Sorry, we're all moving to Digital Dream Door now, lol

Anywhere but Digital Dream Door (too much Bruce over there haha).